Rob Gronkowski's return needed more than ever

When back, offense should receive boost

Karen GuregianThursday, December 27, 2012

Credit: Christopher Evans

Rob Gronkowski

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FOXBORO — Rob Gronkowski didn’t reveal any dates for his expected return to the Patriots lineup. But listening to him yesterday, you definitely got the feeling he was champing at the bit, and that a return was coming sooner, rather than later.

That’s good news for the Patriots offense. For the Pats’ upcoming opponents? Not so much. The last thing the Miami Dolphins or potential playoff opponents such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos want is a Gronk sighting.

Timing is everything. And having the superstar tight end return now from a forearm injury, with the offense struggling a bit and the games becoming more significant, is opportune. Whether it’s Sunday against the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in the regular-season finale, or during a playoff opener, whenever that turns out to be, Gronkowski’s added presence will provide a boost.

While coach Bill Belichick yesterday indicated Gronk was “not ready yet,” and was a day-to-day proposition, the player who gave new meaning to the term “matchup nightmare” will have a definite impact whenever he does return.

How many ways will he help? The list is long.

For starters, wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Aaron Hernandez will be able to breathe. They will once again enjoy a little space to maneuver and run their routes without being enveloped by opposing jerseys. An opposing defense won’t be able to double team that duo so freely. That’s what San Francisco did during the first half of the Dec. 16 game at Gillette, when the 49ers were so dominant.

Given the 49ers were able to apply plenty of pressure and push up front with four pass rushers, they dropped seven back, many times with four defenders in coverage targeting Welker and Hernandez. The plan worked so well, Welker did not have a catch in the first half.

With Gronkowski around, that dynamic changes. Teams can only double cover one of Tom Brady’s main weapons. An extra body will be needed on Gronkowski, who is a load to try and keep in check all by oneself.

As it is, Brandon Lloyd has for the most part enjoyed single coverage, but now, that luxury will once again extend to the inside receivers.

We can also look to red zone and third down improvements with the eventual return of No. 87, who had 53 catches for 748 yards with 10 touchdowns at the time of his injury. Although the Pats managed to get by early on in those areas without Gronk, who participated in yesterday’s walkthrough practice, it really started to catch up the past few games, especially with respect to converting on third down.

Against the 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Patriots were a combined 6-for-27 (22 percent) in third-down efficiency.

Having Gronkowski, a player Brady likes to throw to in key situations, will help on third down while also making scoring in the red zone even easier. Of Gronk’s 10 touchdowns, eight came inside the red zone. During crunch time especially, with the game on the line in the playoffs, having a weapon like that is gold.

Gronkowski should also provide an added boost for the running game, first with his blocking and second with the fact the Pats are better able to disguise their plays with him in the game.

Prior to his injury, the Patriots were more prone to using two tight end sets, as opposed to the three receiver sets that have been favored during his absence.

The two tight end sets typically made it tough on defenses because of Gronkowski’s ability to both block and catch the football. Opponents were hard-pressed to figure which way the Patriots were headed. Often teams were caught with the wrong personnel on the field, particularly if the Pats were in the no-huddle.

Indianapolis Colts interim coach Bruce Arians talked about the predicament teams face in the lead-up to the Nov. 18 game, the one in which Gronk suffered the injury.

“I know teams that have tried to play nickel against them got the ball run down their throat,” he said. “Against base, you just have to do the best job that you can of covering him . . . yeah, it presents a nice challenge for you.”

The Pats have survived Gronk’s absence, going 4-1, but there’s no question how much better they’ll be with him back in the lineup.

“When the doctors clear me, when the training staff clears me, when I’m medically ready to play and they let me play, I’m sure that’s when I’ll be out there,” Gronkowski said. “The doctors know what they’re talking about. They’ll know when it’s safe and sound and ready to go. I’m going to trust in them, and when they say so, I’m anxious to get out there.”